The fire broke out in Tarraganda early on Sunday afternoon, before crossing the Bega River. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the seemingly random nature of the fire was the result of embers raining down on gardens, homes and even the sand dunes. "The wind is like a blowtorch effect to wherever that ember lands in, and it ignites very quickly and fire spreads very rapidly," he told ABC Radio Sydney. "When it's in and around buildings and people's homes, the devastation and destruction is obvious, and it's awful." YOUR VIDEOS Will Fo shared this video of helicopters refuelling “out in the backyard in Kalaru” on Monday, These videos from Melissa Pouliot set the scene from Sunday.

Your photos of fire-ravaged Tathra

Your photos of fire-ravaged Tathra

Pic: @cbowles14Pretty crazy day today... after a 3 hour drive from Jindabyne we approached Tathra and saw a small fire burning in the bush on the way in. Within 2 hours of arriving the town had been evacuated and we made it safely to Bermagui. As you can see the fire came extremely close. We could see houses on fire as we drove away. Feel for the people of Tathra, hope everyone is safe

Pic: Katrina Walsh

Pic: @farsouthcoastfalconsrugbyThank you to everyone who has sent well wishes to the Falcons in the light of the fires at Tathra. Our homeground is at Tathra and has escaped damage. Many homes have been lost in our community. It is too early to know who has really been affected. Our love goes out to everyone. 💕 #tathra #togetherwesoar #tathrafires

The Tathra bush fires as seen from the nearby town of Bega. Pic: Dan Bennett

Pic: @snefnoss Bushfire burning NSW coastal town Tathra on Sunday at 4pm. Note helicopter water bomber in the dense smoke.

Helicopter refuelling on Monday at Kalaru. Pic: Will Fo

Pic: @racheljanephotographer Thinking of everyone in Tathra and the Bega Valley today after the horrific bushfires that ripped through the region. Absolutely devastating for this beautiful seaside town.

Helicopter refuelling on Monday at Kalaru. Pic: Will Fo

Helicopter refuelling on Monday at Kalaru. Pic: Will Fo

Moruya Fire and Rescue assists in the Tathra bushfire emergency on Sunday, March 18. Photo: Moruya Fire and Rescue.

Pic: Nicole Puglisi

Pic: Nicole Puglisi

Pic: Nicole Puglisi

Pic: @jameskfennessy Hard to believe when this happens in your own backyard. We are safe. #Tathra #Bushfires